My November Habanos Itinnerary

[El Presidente]

HAVANAFEST Wrap up

For those guy who trust me, just e-mail me [email protected] with an "All in" throw $10 CUC every time you catch the bus. All good.

Gents/ladies. This can change day to day but it is 95% set. Mind you…..that is 50% set by any normal guidelines.

The one rule I have is that there are “No Tossers No Wankers” on tour. Be you one of these then you will be ditched day one and I don’t care if it is in the out blocks of Vinales. I don’t make money out of this and hence I don’t particularly care if you have had a bad day or on the wrong meds. With my Cuban family you will be respectful. With my Cuban friends same. If you have an issue take it up with me direct. I will sort it out or tell you to pull your head in and grow a gonad. If you haven’t travelled to third world countries and have an issue with poor service on occasion , stay home. If you love talking about yourself, stay home. If you have a love of life and new people, join us. Mind you am not a tour guide outside of the opening weekend and party. You will find me to be more than amiable, helpful (to you and your partner), should you need medical attention I am at your beck and call, post bail..same, talk down to my Cuban friends or other locals because you believe yourself superior then you will be crossed with a right. The secret to travelling well in Cuba is ‘tranquillo’. Should you have a problem, approach me. I will do my best to sort it out. 99.5% of the time it is a great outcome. Come with the right mindset and you will have a ball.

This is a tour for grownups. Grownups know how to behave in different situations (ken is not coming) . If you feel yourself unsure of the too’s and fro’s of normal discourse ….stay home.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you during the week 15^th to 22^nd in November!

Looking at the numbers we will have some 20 people out of Oz alone so it will be a cracker week indeed!

Outside of the Opening weekend (Saturday and Sunday in Pinar with Hector Luis Prieto / Vinales Saturday Night) Cayo Juyita beach party Sunday) it is a week littered with get togethers with members from around the world, friendship, laughter, and plenty of free time to explore on your own or with myself.

First of all I will point out that this is not an organized tour where every hour of your day is micromanaged. If you would like that then Toby and myself can certainly arrange it but in reality it is not the way to experience Havana. A guiding hand is always available…a holding one not so much…excluding posting bail…or ensuring you are looked after medically should anything happen! On the latter, trust me it can happen. I doubt any Australian has been taken to hospital in Cuba more than I J

So this is our Final itinerary. You can opt in or opt out for whatever you wish.

Saturday Sunday 15^th and 16^th of November.

Weekend away to the finca of Hector Luis Prieto and Cayo Juyita.

All inclusive cost of $235 CUC (excluding inexpensive meal and drinks on the Saturday night + random drinks at bars et al + maybe a few customs).

Why are we going? Well simply this is perhaps my favourite 2 days of the week (and that is saying something!). Havana is a great city but it is not Cuba. To have an understanding of Cuba you need to see the country areas and experience the rich tapestry of its people and visual beauty. This weekend encompasses that.

The initial bus will leave at the Nacional Hotel at 8:30 am the Saturday Morning. For those staying in houses arranged by Toby, we will pick you up on the way. Otherwise make your way to the Nacional by 8am and meet at the courtyard bar. Either Toby/Jose or myself will be there to collect you. Please don’t be late as we need to leave 8:30am sharp to commence our journey.

We should arrive in Vuelta Abajo at the finca of Hector Luis Prieto at around 11:30am. Take a wander through one of the finest Tobacco plantations in Cuba and experience genuine country hospitality from a cigar legend (Habanos Man of the Year Award 2008). You can ask questions, smoke fresh rolled cigars, and sit down to a sumptuous roast pig lunch. We will bring the beers and rum. It is brilliant.

There is no rush but we will head back through the picturesque valley of Vinales stopping along the way for photo’s, a cigar, a few more glasses of beer and rum before heading into Vinales proper for our overnight lodgings. We will be either all together or split up in Casa Particulares. I prefer the latter as you get to meet Cuban people at their best.

For dinner we will meet up in the main street restaurant of Olivo for a fantastic dinner before heading off to the local nightclub or for those who are less night club orientated, to the several local bars playing live music. Last time there we (Freefallguy, Nate, Rob, Gary and myself) did the latter and had a hoot. It was humbling to be hit on by the only 70 year old hooker in Vinales. Yes these things tend to happen to me on tour.

The next morning around 10am after farewelling our Casa particular families we will meet in the main street (ever one will likely be staying roughly a one iron drive from each other at two to a house) we will head to Toby’s “beach Shack” at Cayo Juita (45 minutes to an hour away). This is heaven on earth. Turquoise water, sandy beach, mojito bar, the best lunch you will have in Cuba, cold beer, rum, wine. You will meet our great friends there, you will be stunned at the tranquillity. There are some water sports on offer (some days) up the beach….enjoy. I don’t know the cost of them because I have never done them. For me it is the ultimate day of a great week in Cuba.

We head back to Havana around 4pm. Arrive back 6-7pm Tranquillo hermano. You will sleep well after a sensational weekend away or grab a second wind, a late night meal at maybe El Ajibe (we will talk about it on the beach) and head off for a few hours at El Gato nightclub….still my favourite in Cuba.

Monday 17^th of November.

For those recuperating from the weekend abyss…sleep in. You will need it.

Party of the year at my place 1pm to 6pm or whenever the booze runs out. $100-130 CUC. Depends on numbers.

Open bar, band, dancers, the best buffet in Cuba with roast beef, baked fish, BBQ Lobster, roast pork, etc etc etc. Custom cigars (2 per person). One of the best locations in Cuba to boot!

Mi casa es su casa for the day. I have invited my Cuban friends there as well and I hope that you can also make it. We will have our security on the door so that only those on the list can get entry past the gate. it is a necessity and this is one of the finest houses in Havana. Hence the reason for pre booking for this event. Not on the list, no entry.

We have had some concerns that the FOH party may interfere with the Partagas Festival Opening Night function. Thankfully the Partagas Opening night Dinner is on the Tuesday. You should be sobered up by then. I would suggest registering for the Partagas opening night (Tuesday) on Monday late morning and then heading over to my place for the party.

Tuesday 18^th of November

Daylight

Sober up. For the Teetotallers….make fun of the rest of us.

Let’s cruise old Havana. No bookings required. Grab a taxi (unless you are staying there) and meet at the Nacional Hotel courtyard bar at 9:30am. From there we leave 10:am “ish” (need a Mojito or Pina Colada) for Conde de Villaneuva. Will be there by 10:20am-10:45 am (others can meet us there). I like CDV but in these weeks it can get packed. Pick up a few customs, check their inventory, light up, say gooday to Reynaldo if he is in. We will head off after 45 minutes or so.

Tuesday is about getting your bearings in Old Havana. If you already know them then just hang out for the good times. For those new to Havana then by the end of the day you will have a good “lay of the land” that allows you to head back on your own steam and explore through the week.

With a custom from CDV I like to walk through the plazas and the many narrow streets. Seriously people….it is a pub crawl in the finest traditions of pub crawls. There are so many interesting sights, smells and sounds. It is intoxicating (in a non-alcohol way…ok maybe just a few). If you are interested in arts…I will direct you to some of the best independent gallery’s. if you are into history, I will direct you to museums. Remember, I will have Jose with me so you won’t get lost. If you are into laughter, cigars and ales or rum, you will see plenty.

We meet for lunch 2pm at El Templete in Old Havana. Excellent and consistent Spanish food. Split the bill. Pay for your own booze as you go. Should we separate during the mid- morning midday shenanigans, you will have directions on how to get there. It is really not far from anywhere in Old Havana.

From El Templete…we walk again but this time via El Bodeguita Del Medio and Floridita. Yes tourist passé to some but still fun and again it is about taking in the sights and sounds. A drink in each and the to one of my favourite bars around the corner. If you are not so keen on the pub crawl, then head to Partagas (or just wander) for a cigar and catch up with Hamlet.

Come 5pm “ish” I/we will head to the Nacional for a quiet mojito overlooking the ocean.

Time for a kip or a shower. See you at 9pm.

Dinner and Nightlife

I will book dinner at El Ajibe.

It is cheap, good and an institution in Cuba. Grab a cab there for a 9pm start. We will have a long table, just let me know you will be coming in order that I get a table big enough!

It has been a long day. You will have a nice buzz going on (life, liquor or a combination of the two). You will have a ton of questions of which Toby, Jose or myself will answer….or in the case of myself, make up the answers J

Post El Ajibe we head to El Gato Tuerto. Still my favourite nightclub in Havana. We will try and have tables set aside. If not…even better. For the love of God don’t order food, give up your watch for a lifetime of free drinks or believe anything you may hear about my past indiscretions!

Wednesday 19^th of November

Daytime

I don’t get moving until 10am so live with it. To be honest….neither does Cuba so you are not missing much.

Will be at the Nacional come 10am. Meet you there. We are off for a Factory tour. Yes, this one you will need to let me know you are coming. E-mail me Which factory I am unsure at the moment. El Laguito, Upmann, La Corona. It doesn’t really matter as you will have a ball. I will leave it up to Jose and Toby. Assume a cost of 20 CUC. We can grab taxi’s from the Nacional or if I get my crap together I will just hire a bus for the week. Naturally assuming they have prtrol/gas that week. If I have a bus, shoot me 5CUC per trip. If it actually runs shoot me 7.

12pm ‘ish” we will head to Partagas for a cigar and some time with Hamlet.

2pm we head to la Terraza Prado 309 for lunch (a couple of blocks from Partagas). Glorious place for lunch. Mucho Vino, Mojito, Cerveza. You will need to book a spot. Just e-mail me Again we will split the bill or we will have an all-inclusive. You need to chill. I make no money out of it. Whatever is easier. Remember…tranquillo hermano. Toby will decide a month out the best way to go in relation to numbers. My favourite here is the whole lamb shoulder. Best in Cuba and stacks up with the best anywhere in the world.

4pm “ish” a walk (and you will need it) to the rooftop at the Hotel Saratoga. One of the best views in Havana.

Nightime

By the love of God you will need a kip. So 9pm we meet up for dinner at Riomar waterfront terrace restaurant near my house in Miramar. Drop by my house from 8pm for a pre-dinner drink. Again we will split the tab at the restaurant. Booze paid separately.

Post a long dinner, I would like to take you to the seedier side of wall to wall world class crumpet. No crumpet sampling required! Great music however, and get to see the seedier side of Havana in all its glory (or not…I am in the ‘or not” Di ! ).

I need to know the numbers for this (dinner and posting bail) e-mail me [email protected]

Thursday 20^th of November

This is the sort of day you wake up and look forward to going home! You can’t go any harder. You have reached the end of your endurance (mental, physical, moral). Good news is you can recover 2 of the 3 with a morning Mojito!

Let’s do a few tours of the LCDH! 5^th Avenida y Calle 16 (grab a taxi) we will be there at 11am. Head off to Club Havana LCDH post….no hurry (taxi or my bus…hop on my bus if there is room and throw 10 CUC my way). Maybe a Sushi lunch at Sancti (top secret) or we head to Comodoro hotel and do the LCDH there …..pizza, burgers and jinteras on the street and then the Melia Habana LCDH post. You are starting to get the way I roll don’t you….plan 50%...freestyle the rest. Ask for forgiveness rather than permission. If it is not for you, no problem.

Back home sometime around 5-6pm. Yes you have got it right. Kip, shower and out again.

Nightime

9PM Calle 10 - a super restaurant in Calle 10, Super cool place and cheap. Again, book with me [email protected] and in the week I will provide you with the addy of how to get there. As always…my place open for pre dinner drinks from 8pm and we can go together.

Nightclub. Let’s notch it up a little.

Johnnie's (near my place) famous for the official Cuban handshake, where a completely unknown female will come up and shake you firmly by the gonads and ask if you would like a dance.

Ok…if not to most peoples liking we will head to Salon Rojo…..much the same….less “Caligula” and more “Gladiator”. Of course there are a dozen other places we could head to. For me it is about great music and great shows, trust me as I might change at a whim. Of course I am not a marriage councellor. More a relationship councillor who is batting 8 for 8 in terms of separation/divorce. I am all in favour of marriage. Just an unfortunate statistical aberration.

Friday 21st^th of November

Arghhhhh..this is the day when I wake up, and like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, that I click my heals in the am and wish I was home!

No problem. I want to show you something.

First up the Humidor factory in outer Havana. Brilliant. Meet at the Nacional 9:30 am. No mojito’s ….I will collect you or we will catch taxis. It is 35 minutes out. Meet and talk to true artisans. Back to Partagas and a small post pub crawl.

Back to old Havana for lunch. Ivan Justo is a stunning La Guarida Style restaurant in Old Havana, right opposite the Revolution Museum. Book ahead. Email me so I can get a grip on numbers. Time 2pm.

We will do a video review here of all on the attending!. Blind tasting. Let’s see how you go! You know the drill. Split table bill, booze as you go.

Finish up 4:30-5pm

Nightime

Kip, shower and change. Dinner at El Cocinero. I would like this to be Roof top Tapas for as long as you like. Split the bill or Toby will work out a bill sans booze. Roughly 35 CUC as much as you can eat. Plenty of cigars, enjoy. We may alternatively decide to go downstairs for the al a Carte menu. Seriously, I would prefer to stay upstairs.

Last nightclub.

Fabrica de Musica (new) this is a cool multi stage live music venue in an old Victorian cooking oil factory next to (actually under) El Cocinero roof top tapas bar. Corner of Calle 26 between 11 and 13, Vedado. Let’s have fun!

Saturday 22nd^th of November

Do what you bloody want to!

I am going to catch up with my friends at Riomar for a long lunch. Join me from 1pm. Split bill etal.

Come back to my house , 50 metres down the road. Smoke cigars, chill, mi case es su casa.

Night time

Hang on. For those remaining (and many of you leave on the Saturday) I like to go to 2-3 nightclubs on the final night. Hang out or stay at your most preferred. It is never pretty.

I know it doesn’t all seem planed. A Cuba trip shouldn’t. it honestly can’t be.

However if you (and your partner) have a love of life, a skeric of lassie faire and a touch of decency, join us. It will be great. let me know what you are interested in even if it is not posted. We can arrange out of interest:

· Luxury Private houses.

· Hotel accommodation

· Casa Particulares.

· Deep Sea Fishing off Havana.

· Fly Fishing 2 hours outside of Havana (bonefish/tarpon)

· Private tours of Havana, car, horse cart or other.

· Specialty tours (such as art/history) mailto:[email protected] Just let us know what and we will price it for you.

My favourite part of the week is the opening weekend away to Pinar/Prieto/Cayo Juyita. Glorious. Mind blowing.

I look forward to seeing you in Havana. As always, e-mail me to finalise anything or simply ask questions.

Cheers

Rob

[LordAnubis]

Is mastercard or visa accepted for posting bail?? This trip will be a true test of my life long sobriety

[El Presidente]

When it comes to bail, cash only. I have you

covered. amigo.

[Guest rob]

This trip will be a true test of my life long sobriety

You will get drunk off the fumes, Amigo!

See you there!

[AndrewNR]

Sadly it looks more like I'll be sidelined.. Wish you all a very fun and safe trip and hope some time in the future I'm able to join you on a similar one..

[Ryan]

Looks like a great trip, very good advice. Very jealous to be missing it.

Couple of things I'd add for people who haven't been to Cuba before.

Leave your passport and wallet somewhere safe in your room when going out. At night leave your phone in your room too.

At night, work out how much cash you think you need then multiply that number by 2. Or as much cash that you're prepared to lose without upsetting you too much. Pickpockets, especially in crowds just outside nightclubs are getting more common. If a group of guys comes over offering you a ride or anything else, mind your pockets.

Bring a photocopy of the picture page of your passport with you, it's all you'll ever need for ID. A photocopier won't be easy to find in Cuba and you don't want to lose your passport. When travelling to Vinales bring your passport then, the hotel/Casa will probably ask for it.

A roll of toilet paper in your bag when out and about can be a very handy thing.

Last thing, tip. Doesn't have to be huge amounts but it goes a long way in Cuba.

[madandana]

OMG

[Guest rob]

Good advice, Andy.

[Puros Y Vino]

On the ride out to Vinales you'll be caught up in Havana's famous lung strangling exhaust fumes. Light up a cigar to "clear" the air. Trust me. It helps. Prieto's farm is a tranquil place. You'll soon forget the hustle and bustle you left behind.

[Guest chunkatlarge]

For those guy who trust me, just e-mail me [email protected] with an "All in" throw $10 CUC every time you catch the bus. All good.

Yep got dizzy just reading it all I'm a all in guy,, IM ALL IN!!

[helix]

Really looking forward to this run.

[dogdays]

It sounds like a great trip , and lots of fun too!

[Fuzz]

Question, Rob. For those partaking, do they need to pre-book the crumpet too?

Wish I was going with you guys, sounds like it will be an epic adventure. Maybe next time.

[PigFish]

Sounds like a helluva time Rob… You guys enjoy yourselves.

You might ask Rob what his number 1 rule is when in a new town on his first taxi ride… Cheers! -Piggy

[oliverdst]

Rob, those prices previously informed are still on? Any big change?

[CUBANO]

We love the "tranquilo" attitude.

[mikek]

I so wish I could do this!!! How often do you through these get togethers?

[Maplepie]

I so wish I could do this!!! How often do you through these get togethers?

Every year for the festival, I believe?

Sent by the Enigma on BlackBerry.

[puromaniac]

What an agenda. I need a break after just reading about it. Hope everyone has a blast.

Rob, nice to so clearly spell out the rules, especially those ensuring the Cubans are respected. It made me wonder what your thoughts are (or Ryan's or anyone else's) on bringing gifts? Some things are pretty hard to find. Oh sure, the wizened abuela that leans over the rail when you're having a mojito at the Inglaterra is after a CUC or two, not a tooth brush, but what about others? I get decidedly mixed advice on this and wondered what the latest views are. I suspect it might come up.

[El Presidente]

Rob, those prices previously informed are still on? Any big change?

All much the same.

Weekend away to Pinar and Cayo Jutia $230CUC

All inclusive party $100-$130 CUC. Still to be finalised.

[El Presidente]

Looks like a great trip, very good advice. Very jealous to be missing it.

Couple of things I'd add for people who haven't been to Cuba before.

Leave your passport and wallet somewhere safe in your room when going out. At night leave your phone in your room too.

At night, work out how much cash you think you need then multiply that number by 2. Or as much cash that you're prepared to lose without upsetting you too much. Pickpockets, especially in crowds just outside nightclubs are getting more common. If a group of guys comes over offering you a ride or anything else, mind your pockets.

Bring a photocopy of the picture page of your passport with you, it's all you'll ever need for ID. A photocopier won't be easy to find in Cuba and you don't want to lose your passport. When travelling to Vinales bring your passport then, the hotel/Casa will probably ask for it.

A roll of toilet paper in your bag when out and about can be a very handy thing.

Last thing, tip. Doesn't have to be huge amounts but it goes a long way in Cuba.

You nailed it Andy.

[El Presidente]

What an agenda. I need a break after just reading about it. Hope everyone has a blast.

Rob, nice to so clearly spell out the rules, especially those ensuring the Cubans are respected. It made me wonder what your thoughts are (or Ryan's or anyone else's) on bringing gifts? Some things are pretty hard to find. Oh sure, the wizened abuela that leans over the rail when you're having a mojito at the Inglaterra is after a CUC or two, not a tooth brush, but what about others? I get decidedly mixed advice on this and wondered what the latest views are. I suspect it might come up.

I like to find out from my friends what they need and try my best to accommodate. Will touch base with them 6 weeks out and find out what the current shortages are.

Outside of that, I like to bring little matchbox cars for the kids etc. often just buying something small and simple that brings a smile to a childs face is priceless to their parents.

[riazp]

man i wish i could afford to go again this year, had a blast last year. Have fun all!

[polarbear]

Sounds like a great trip

Sad I wont be able to make it but "grown up life" seems to have gotten in the way of ticking things off my bucket list

Fingers crossed this goes well enough to convice Prez to organise another trip in the coming years

Safe Travels to all who attend

[Habana Mike]

Sounds like a great trip! In!